Home News Columnists Philippa Tomson

Your home or care home?

Feb 7 2010 by Philippa Tomson, Sunday Sun

I LOVE my parents. For 30 plus years they’ve supported me, attempted to guide me, criticised me and looked after me.

I flew the nest aged 21 but they’ll continue to watch out for me and protect me until the day they die.

My two nieces aged five and three also love their nana and grandpa. Nana is patient and laid-back while Grandpa isn’t, especially when they touch the breakables.

Hopefully, the unique bond between grandchild and grandparent will exist for years to come.

But how strong is that bond? Is it so rigid that children or grandchildren will move the grandparents in when they lose their independence?

Many of you might wince at the thought. I don’t wince but I’m wary, conscious that the relationship between parents and grandparents is generally better when you live apart.

But not in the world of Baroness Deech, a family lawyer who thinks it only right that children and grandchildren look after their relatives in old age by way of a thank you.

Particularly as figures apparently show older relatives who help with childcare save families an astonishing £50 billion a year. However, I would argue that many grandparents are only too happy to help out because they spend some quality time with their grandchildren.

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums

Site Tools